Vehicle payload conveyance system

ABSTRACT

A vehicle payload conveyance system located inside the hollow of a vehicle gate which provides ramps which deploy from the hollow by rotation about the axis of a ball slidly engaged in a track to allow the ramps to be positioned for the loading and unloading of a payload into or out of the vehicle, and further provides a line deployed from the hollow of the vehicle gate which can be attached to the payload and adjustably tensioned to facilitate transfer of a payload into or out of the vehicle.

I. BACKGROUND

A vehicle payload conveyance system located inside the hollow of avehicle gate which provides ramps which deploy and can be positioned forthe loading and unloading of a payload into or out of the vehicle, andcan further provide a cable deployed from the hollow of the vehicle gatewhich can be attached to the payload and adjustably tensioned tofacilitate transfer of a payload into or out of the vehicle.

With the advent of sport utility vehicles and light utility vehicles, alarger portion of the general public is driving a vehicle which can beused to transport a payload of substantial weight. New sport utilityvehicles and light utility trucks sit atop super-strong steel frameswhich allow the vehicles to carry a payload of in excess of 1,500pounds. Additionally, certain new model sport utility vehicles and lighttrucks can tow in excess of 7,000 pounds.

Not unexpectedly, given the opportunity to transport and tow moresubstantial payloads, almost half of all persons who own a sport utilityvehicle or light truck use it for towing and transporting payloads ofsubstantial weight such as boats, off road vehicles, motorcycles,personal watercraft, all terrain vehicles, dirt bikes, or the like.

A substantial problem with sport utility vehicles, light trucks, andvehicles in general can be that the vehicle provides the opportunity totransport a heavy payload (typically between 1,000 pounds and 7,000pounds) but is not sold with any devices for assisting the owner withloading and unloading a heavy payload from the vehicle. In the firstinstance, the vehicle may not come equipped with ramps which can bedeployed to establish a grade on which the payload can be moved into orout of the vehicle. In the second instance, the vehicle may not comeequipped with a cable that can be tensioned to assist in moving thepayload onto or off from a trailer or in moving the payload on a rampinto or out of the vehicle.

Additionally, aftermarket winches and ramps may not be configured tooperate for the narrow purpose of moving payloads within weight rangespecified for sport utility vehicles or light trucks. As such,aftermarket equipment may have excess capacity that is seldom or may notbe utilized. Also, aftermarket equipment generically configured to fitall vehicles, may not mount in a location useful for loading andunloading of payloads into or out of the various models of sport utilityor light utility vehicles.

Another substantial problem with sport utility vehicles in particularand in general with all vehicles can be that no provision is made forthe storage of equipment such as power winches and ramps. As such, powerwinches are mounted as an after market device typically to the front ofthe vehicle. Ramps are purchased and stowed in the garage, the bed ofthe vehicle, or occupy a portion of the cabin space.

The instant invention provides a vehicle payload conveyance system whichaddresses each of the above-described problems.

II. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, a broad objective of the invention can be to provide avehicle payload conveyance system to facilitate transfer of a payloadfrom inside the vehicle to outside the vehicle, or from outside of thevehicle to inside of the vehicle.

Another broad objective of the invention can be to provide a vehiclepayload conveyance system to facilitate transfer of a payload onto oroff from a trailer towed by the vehicle.

Another significant object of the invention can be to provide a lineadjustment means to play out and retract a line such as cable, cord,wire, or the like, located inside the hollow of a gate of a vehicle.

Another significant object of the invention can be to provide a lineguidance means which guides the cable, cord, wire, or the like, onto thesurface it is wound to provide the desired number of windings per unitdistance.

Another significant object of the invention can be to provide a surfaceon which the cable, cord, wire, or the like configured to operate withthe line guidance means above-described to adjust the speed at which theline is played out or retracted or to adjust the transmission of powerto the line as it is played out or retracted.

Another significant object of the invention can be to control the lineadjustment which plays out and retracts the line to facilitatecontrolled movement of payloads being loaded or unloaded from thevehicle.

Another significant object of the invention can be to provide one ormore ramps which are stowed inside the gate which can be deployed fromwithin the gate to be used in conjunction with the line adjustmentmeans.

Another significant object of the invention can be to provide a ramppivot which travels within a track which affords a wide range ofmovement in positioning the ramp with regard to various support surfacesand in positioning the ramp to be used as an extension of the gatewithout the aide of a support surface.

Naturally, further objects of the invention are disclosed throughoutother areas of the specification, drawings, and claims.

III. A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows particular embodiment of the payload conveyance inventionincluding a vehicle having a gate with a line adjustment means locatedinside.

FIG. 2 shows a particular embodiment of the line adjustment means.

FIG. 3 shows alternate embodiments of the line adjustment means.

FIG. 4 shows a further alternate embodiment of the line adjustmentmeans.

FIG. 5 shows a particular embodiment of the payload conveyance inventionincluding a vehicle having a gate with a line adjustment means locatedinside and further including a second hollow inside the gate in which aramp can be stowed.

FIG. 6 shows an alternate embodiment of the ramp.

FIG. 7 shows a manner of utilizing a particular embodiment of the ramp.

FIG. 8 shows an alternate manner of utilizing a particular embodiment ofthe ramp.

IV. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A vehicle payload conveyance system located inside the hollow of avehicle gate which provides ramps which deploy and can be positioned forthe loading and unloading of a payload into or out of the vehicle, andcan further provide a cable deployed from the hollow of the vehicle gatewhich can be attached to the payload and adjustably tensioned tofacilitate transfer of a payload into or out of the vehicle.

First referring primarily to FIG. 1 which provides, in accordance withthe invention, a vehicle (1) having a line adjustment means (2) locatedinside a gate (3). As utilized in accordance with the invention thevehicle (1) can be a sport utility vehicle, a light utility vehicle, ora pick up truck as shown by FIG. 1; however, it is to be understood thatthe pick up truck shown in FIG. 1 is meant to be illustrative of thenumerous and varied vehicles which are encompassed by the payloadconveyance system invention including but not limited to sport utilityvehicles, light utility trucks, station wagons, jeeps, passenger cars,or the like.

The gate (3) into which the various components of the payload conveyancesystem can be incorporated include, but are not limited to a tail gate(3) of a pickup truck (1) as shown by FIG. 1. However, alternateembodiments of the invention, can incorporate components of the payloadconveyance system into the gate of the various vehicles above-described,or even the back wall (4) of the bed of a truck as shown by FIG. 1. Thegate (3) can operate in the conventional manner between an open positionand a closed position to provide ingress or egress from an area of thevehicle, such as, the cabin, the box of a pick up truck, a storage area,or the like. Alternately, the gate can operate solely to position theline adjustment means (2) for use in transferring a payload into or offfrom a vehicle (1) or a trailer towed by the vehicle (1).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 2, the gate (3) can provide a firsthollow (5) in which one or more line adjustment means (2) can belocated. As to certain embodiments of the invention, the line adjustmentmeans (2) can be configured to retrofit inside the gate (3) of aconventional vehicle (1), such as the hollow (5) within the tailgate (2)of a conventional pickup truck (1) not sold with the vehicle payloadconveyance system.

Now referring primarily to FIGS. 2, 3, and 4, the line adjustment means(2) generically comprises a drive means (6), such as an electric motor,reciprocating engine, a manual crank, or the like, coupled to a linetake up element (7) having a surface on which a line (8) can be wound.As shown by FIG. 2, a non-limiting example of the line adjustment means(2) includes, an electric motor (6) coupled to a transmission (9) whichtransmits power to a reel (10) rotationally journaled in one or morebearings (11). Operation of the electric motor rotates the reel (10) ata rate determined by the power transmission ratio of the transmission(9) which can be a single ratio, a plurality of selectable independentratios, or a continuously variable ratio, of mated toothed gears,sheaves and mated belts, or the like. Rotation of the reel (10) windsthe line (8) in a single layer or multiple layers upon the surface ofthe reel (10).

Alternately, the line take up element (7) can include the drive means(6), the transmission (9), and a shaft (10) (whether a hollow shaft, asolid shaft, a spindle, an axle, or other cylindrical configurationhaving a surface on which the line (8) can be wound). As shown by FIG.3, the shaft (10) can also have a surface which varies or has alternateconfigurations to affect the manner in which the line (8) winds. Asshown by FIG. 3 a, certain embodiments of the invention can have a shaftwhich provides a first portion (12) having a first diameter and a secondportion (13) having a second diameter, and a third portion (14) having athird diameter, or more portions as desired. Alternately, as shown byFIG. 3 b, the shaft (10) can provide a taper (15) which provides acontinuous or graded reduction in the diameter of the shaft (10) betweena first end and a second end. Numerous and varied configurations of thesurface on which the line (8) winds are possible to achieve a desiredvariation in the rate of speed at which the line (8) is wound or desiredapplication of power to line (8). As such, the configuration of thesurface on which the line (8) is wound can be altered to match the speedand power requirements of a particular application.

Now referring to FIGS. 2, 3, and 4, the line (8) can be configured towind as a single layer upon the surface of the shaft (10) as shown byFIGS. 3 a, 3 b, 4 a, and 4 b. By winding the line (8) on the surface ofthe shaft (10) in a single layer the line adjustment means (2) can havea smaller external configuration for more ready location in the hollow(5) of the gate (3). Further reduction in external configuration of theline adjustment means can be accomplished by utilizing line (8) of thesmallest diameter which provides sufficient strength for a particularapplication. Where the hollow (5) inside the gate (3) providessufficient space, the line (8) can be wound in multiple layers on thesurface of the shaft (10), or on a reel as shown by FIGS. 2 a and 2 b.

Various types of line (8) can be utilized with the invention. Severalnon-limiting examples include, a cable of multiple metal strands havinga diameter of between about three sixty fourths of an inch and onequarter inch whether made from stainless steel or galvanized steelwhether twisted or braided; or can be a cord of nylon, polypropylene,polyethylene, polysteel, or Kevlar® strands having a diameter of betweenabout one sixteenth of an inch and about one quarter of an inch; or canbe a combination of various types or kinds of metal, plastic, carbonfiber, or other fibers or strands, in various combinations andpermutations. The selection of the type of line, cord, cable, rope,twine, or the like can be matched to the application to provide thecorrect level of strength, elasticity, resistance to ultraviolet light,resistance to chemical compounds, or the like, as desired.

Again referring primarily to FIGS. 3 and 4, the line adjustment means(2) can further comprise a line guide (16) which travels in relation tothe longitudinal axis of the shaft (10) to position the line (8) in asingle layer of adjacent windings on the surface. Or as shown in FIGS. 3a and 3 b, the line guide (16) positions the line (8) at the desiredlocation on the surface of the shaft (10) to take advantage of the lineuptake speed or line uptake power peculiar to winding the line (8) onthat portion of the shaft (10).

Now referring to FIG. 4, as to certain embodiments of the line guide(16), a line guide aperture (17) and the shaft (10) can have matedspiral threads (18). As the shaft (10) rotates, the line guide (16)travels along the surface of shaft (10) at a rate determined by thethread pitch and the shaft (10) rotation rate. The pitch of the matedspiral threads (18) can be adjusted such that the rate of travel of theline guide (16) upon the surface of the shaft (10) results in thedesired number of windings of the line (8) per unit distance along theshaft (10).

Now again referring primarily to FIGS. 3 a and 3 b, the shaft (10) andthe line guide (16) can operate independent of the other. As shown, aline guide transmission (17) can operate an independent line guidelocator (18) to position the line guide (16) at a location to wind theline (8) on a corresponding portion of the shaft (10). Because the lineguide locator (18) operates independent of the shaft (10), the windingsper unit distance along the shaft (10) can be varied as the line istaken up. If desired, the line can be wound in multiple layers on aportion of the shaft (10), or in a single layer on a portion of theshaft (10), or can be wound upon a first portion of the shaft (12) for afirst duration of time and wound upon a second portion of the shaft (13)for a second duration of time, or the like.

Again referring to FIG. 4 b, embodiments of the invention can furtherprovide one or more line guide tracks (19). The line guide tracks (19)can be used to reduce the transmission of force from the line (8) to theshaft (10) and to prevent rotation of the line guide (16) about the axisof the shaft (10).

Now referring primarily FIG. 5, the line (8) can pass through anaperture element (20) which communicates between the inside of the gate(3) and the outside of the gate (3). The aperture element (20) can beconfigured to allow the line (8) to be unwound from the shaft (10) andadjusted to the desired length outside the gate (3) and then again woundupon the shaft (10) to adjust the desired length outside the gate (3).Based on the numerous configurations of the line adjustment means (2),the shaft (10), the line, and the layers of line wound upon the shaft,the aperture element can take numerous and varied configurations whichallows the line (8) to be extended, attached to payload or other object,and then retracted or extended to facilitate movement of the payload forloading or unloading the vehicle or trailer towed by the vehicle (1).

Again referring primarily to FIG. 2, alternate embodiments of theinvention can further include a controller (21) electronically coupledto the line adjustment means (2). The electronic controller (21) cangenerically provide a switch (22) to close a circuit to activate thedrive means (6). As to basic embodiments of the invention, thecontroller (21) can include a switch (22) manually operated (pushbutton, foot pedal, lever, rocker, toggle, or the like) to close a hardwire circuit. As to more complex embodiments of the invention, thecontroller can further include a discrete transmitter (23) whichgenerates a signal (24) to a receiver (25) which operates a switchclosure (26). A power source (27), such as a battery, or an alternator,or generator (whether independent of the vehicle (1) or integral to thevehicle) can be used to power the drive means (6) and the controller(21).

Again referring to FIG. 5, the payload conveyance system can furtherinclude at least one ramp (29) which stows inside the gate (3). As shownby FIGS. 2 and 5, a second hollow (28) inside the gate (3) can beconfigured to slidly engage one or more ramps (29). The ramp(s) (29) canbe made from metal (sheet or cast), plastic (sheet or cast), or acombination of both, to generate a substantially rectangular geometryconfigured to stow inside the gate (3). The ramp(s)(29) can furtherinclude stiffener elements to increase the strength of the ramp. Thestiffener elements can be incorporated into the surface of the ramp ascorrugations, or the like; or where the ramp has a hollow interior, thestiffener elements can be incorporated inside as foam polymer, strips ofsheet metal, corrugated metal, or the like. Certain basic embodiments ofthe invention, can further include one or more hook(s)(30) to removablycouple the ramp (29) to the gate (3) during use. The ramp (29) canfurther include one or more tread(s) (31) which increase the amount offriction between the ramp (29) surface and the surface of anotherobject. The tread(s)(31) can be made integral to the ramp during themanufacture of the ramp by casting, molding, stamping, or otherwiseconfiguring the surface of the ramp to include friction enhancementelements, such as, dimples, perforations, cleats, grooves, or the like.The tread(s)(31) could also be configured as a layer of material appliedto the ramp (29) as a separate component, such as, a sheet of materialimpregnated with particles with a second adhesive layer to affix thetread (31) to the ramp (29).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 6, the ramp (29) can further include aball joint (32) which provides a ball (33) that rotates in a socket(34). As a non-limiting example, the ball joint (32) can be coupled tothe perimeter of the ramp at one end (29) as shown in FIGS. 6 a, 6 b, 6c, 6 d. The ball joint (32) could also be connected at any positionalong the perimeter of the ramp to provide the desired utility (forexample, a shelf which extends from the gate (3)). The ball (33) and thesocket (34) can be configured to allow a portion of the surface of theball (33) to extend sufficiently beyond the surface of the socket (34)to travel substantially unobstructed within a track (35). The track (35)can be configured to allow travel of the ball (33) a desired distance todeploy and position the ramp(s)(29) for desired applications. As tocertain embodiments of the invention, the track (35) can be integral togate (3) by configuring the opposed sheet material surfaces to produceopposed grooves (36) each of which slidly engage a portion of the ball(33) which extends beyond the surface of the socket (34). Alternately,the track (35) slidly engaged to the portion of the ball (33) whichextends beyond the ball joint (32) can be assembled separately andinserted inside the hollow (28) of the gate (3).

As to certain embodiments of the invention as shown by FIG. 6 a, theball joint (32) can be coupled to the ramp (29) at an angle which allowsthe ball (33) to slidly engage the track (35) while locating a firstramp (29) at one side of the hollow (28) within the gate (3). A secondramp (29) can then be located adjacent to the first ramp in the hollow(28) within the gate (3) with the corresponding ball joint (32) coupledat an angle to slidly engage the corresponding track (35). As to thisembodiment of the invention, the first ramp (29) can be rotated on theaxis of the ball (33) to remove the first ramp from the hollow (28)inside the gate (3). Similarly, the second ramp (29) can be rotated onthe axis of a corresponding second ball (33) to remove the second rampfrom the hollow (28) inside the gate (3). Each ramp (29) can then bepositioned along the width of the gate (3) by travel of the ball (33)within the corresponding track (35). Alternate embodiments of theinvention, can have the track (35) configured to release the ball (33)from the track (35) so that the ramp(s) (29) can be used independent ofthe vehicle (1), or allowing the ramp (29) to be turned over andre-engaged with the track (35) allowing the ramp (29) to be utilized asan horizontal extension of the gate (3).

Again referring primarily to FIG. 6, the ramp can further include a grip(37). As a non-limiting example, the grip (37) can be configured as ahandle having a handle aperture element (38). Alternately, embodimentsof the grip (36) can comprise a cord attached to the ramp (29),indentations made in the surface of the ramp (29), or a projectionelement which extends from a stowed position within the ramp (29).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 7, the ball joint (32) can be located ata position within the ball joint track (32) and the ramp (29) can rotateabout the axis provided by the ball (33). Rotation of the ramp (29)about the axis of the ball (33) and travel of the ball (33) within thetrack (35) allows the ramp (29) to be moved from a position within thesecond hollow (28) of the gate (3) and lowered to engage a supportsurface (36). Based upon the configuration of the track (35) and thelocation of the ball joint (35) on the perimeter of the ramp (29), theramp (29) can have movement matched to the desired application.

Now referring primarily to FIG. 8, the track (35) can be configured toallow a pair of ramps (29) sufficient travel to abut at the center ofthe gate (3). Further positioning of the ball (33) within the track (35)can establish the pair of ramps (29) at a desired distance apart.Additionally, the end of each ramp (29) can be rotated about the axis ofthe ball (33) to locate ramp on the support surface (36) at an anglerelative to the gate, as shown by FIG. 8 b.

The payload conveyance system invention can be utilized by apportioninga length of line (8) between the inside of the gate (3) and the outsideof the gate (3) by operation of the line adjustment means (2) located inthe hollow (5) of the gate (3). The line (8) can then be attached orcoupled to a payload or object and tensioned to assist in transfer ofthe payload by operation of the line adjustment means (2) to reduce thelength of the line (8) or extend the length of the line (8) between thegate (3) and the object.

The ramp (29) stowed inside the second hollow (28) of the gate (3) canbe withdraw and positioned to engage a first end or the ramp (29) withthe support surface (36) and to engage a second end with the gate (3).The payload or object to which the line (8) is attached can then bedrawn along the ramp (29) (as to some embodiments into the bed of atruck (1)) by operation of the line adjustment means to further reducethe length of the line (8) between the gate (3) and the payload orobject.

As can be easily understood from the foregoing, the basic concepts ofthe present invention may be embodied in a variety of ways. Theinvention involves numerous and varied embodiments of a vehicle payloadconveyance system and methods of making and using such payloadconveyance system.

As such, the particular embodiments or elements of the inventiondisclosed by the description or shown in the figures accompanying thisapplication are not intended to be limiting, but rather exemplary of thenumerous and varied embodiments generically encompassed by the inventionor equivalents encompassed with respect to any particular elementthereof. In addition, the specific description of a single embodiment orelement of the invention may not explicitly describe all embodiments orelements possible; many alternatives are implicitly disclosed by thedescription and figures.

It should be understood that each element of an apparatus or each stepof a method may be described by an apparatus term or method term. Suchterms can be substituted where desired to make explicit the implicitlybroad coverage to which this invention is entitled. As but one example,it should be understood that all steps of a method may be disclosed asan action, a means for taking that action, or as an element which causesthat action. Similarly, each element of an apparatus may be disclosed asthe physical element or the action which that physical elementfacilitates. As but one example, the disclosure of a “grip” should beunderstood to encompass disclosure of the act of “gripping”—whetherexplicitly discussed or not—and, conversely, were there effectivelydisclosure of the act of “gripping”, such a disclosure should beunderstood to encompass disclosure of a “grip” and even a “means forgripping” Such alternative terms for each element or step are to beunderstood to be explicitly included in the description.

In addition, as to each term used it should be understood that unlessits utilization in this application is inconsistent with suchinterpretation, common dictionary definitions should be understood toincluded in the description for each term as contained in the RandomHouse Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, second edition, each definitionhereby incorporated by reference.

Thus, the applicant(s) should be understood to claim at least: i) eachof the vehicle payload conveyance systems herein disclosed anddescribed, ii) the related methods disclosed and described, iii)similar, equivalent, and even implicit variations of each of thesedevices and methods, iv) those alternative embodiments which accomplisheach of the functions shown, disclosed, or described, v) thosealternative designs and methods which accomplish each of the functionsshown as are implicit to accomplish that which is disclosed anddescribed, vi) each feature, component, and step shown as separate andindependent inventions, vii) the applications enhanced by the varioussystems or components disclosed, viii) the resulting products producedby such systems or components, ix) methods and apparatuses substantiallyas described hereinbefore and with reference to any of the accompanyingexamples, x) the various combinations and permutations of each of theprevious elements disclosed.

The claims set forth in this specification are hereby incorporated byreference as part of this description of the invention, and theapplicant expressly reserves the right to use all of or a portion ofsuch incorporated content of such claims as additional description tosupport any of or all of the claims or any element or component thereof,and the applicant further expressly reserves the right to move anyportion of or all of the incorporated content of such claims or anyelement or component thereof from the description into the claims orvice-versa as necessary to define the matter for which protection issought by this application or by any subsequent continuation, division,or continuation-in-part application thereof, or to obtain any benefitof, reduction in fees pursuant to, or to comply with the patent laws,rules, or regulations of any country or treaty, and such contentincorporated by reference shall survive during the entire pendency ofthis application including any subsequent continuation, division, orcontinuation-in-part application thereof or any reissue or extensionthereon.

The claims set forth below are intended describe the metes and bounds ofa limited number of the preferred embodiments of the invention and arenot to be construed as the broadest embodiment of the invention or acomplete listing of embodiments of the invention that may be claimed.The applicant does not waive any right to develop further claims basedupon the description set forth above as a part of any continuation,division, or continuation-in-part, or similar application.

1. A vehicle, comprising: a. a gate connected to said vehicle whichoperates between an open position and a closed position; b. an apertureelement which communicates between the inside of said gate and theoutside of said gate; c. a line which passes through said apertureelement of said gate; and d. a line adjustment means located inside ofsaid gate which operates to adjust length of said line outside of saidgate.
 2. A vehicle as described in claim 1, wherein said line adjustmentmeans located inside of said gate comprises a shaft rotationallyjournaled to at least one bearing means located inside of said gate, andwherein said line responds to rotation of said shaft to adjust length ofsaid line outside of said gate.
 3. A vehicle as described in claim 1,further comprising a drive means coupled to said shaft, wherein saiddrive means operates to rotate said shaft rotationally journaled to saidat least one bearing means.
 4. A vehicle as described in claim 1,further comprising a line guide which travels axially on said shaft towind said line upon said shaft.
 5. A vehicle as described in claim 1,further comprising mated spiral threads between said shaft and saidguide, wherein rotation of said shaft generates travel of said guideaxially on said shaft.
 6. A vehicle as described in claim 1, a riderwhich engages said line guide to prevent rotation of said line guideabout said shaft.
 7. A vehicle as described in claim 1, furthercomprising a controller having a switch which upon closure activatessaid line adjustment means.
 8. A vehicle as described in claim 1,further comprising a discrete transmitter which generates signalreceived by said controller to close said switch.
 9. A vehicle asdescribed in claim 1, further comprising at least one ramp whichoperates between a stowed position inside said gate and an extendedposition having a first ramp end in contact with said gate and a secondramp end in contact with a support surface.
 10. A vehicle as describedin claim 1, wherein said aperture element which communicates between theinside of said gate and the outside of said gate has a location whichallows said line to draw an object up said at least one ramp having afirst ramp end in contact with said gate and a second ramp end incontact with a support surface.
 11. A vehicle as described in claim 9,further comprising: a. a ball which rotates within socket coupled at alocation on the perimeter of said ramp; and b. a track located insidesaid gate in which said ball travels.
 12. A method of assembling avehicle, comprising the steps of: a. connecting a gate to a vehiclewhich operates between an open position and a closed position, whereinsaid gate has an aperture which communicates between the inside of saidgate and the outside of said gate; b. locating a line adjustment meansinside of said gate; and c. coupling said line to said line adjustmentmeans located inside of said gate, whereby operation of said lineadjustment means acts to apportion the length of said line between theinside of said gate and the outside of said gate.
 13. A method ofassembling a vehicle as described in claim 11, wherein said step oflocating a line adjustment means inside of said gate comprises locatinga shaft rotationally journaled to at least one bearing inside of saidgate.
 14. A method of assembling a vehicle as described in claim 12,further comprising the step of coupling a drive means to said shaftrotationally journaled to at least one bearing inside of said gate,whereby operation of said drive means rotates said shaft.
 15. A methodof assembling a vehicle as described in claim 13, further comprising thestep of winding said line on said shaft to apportion the length of saidline between the inside of said gate and the outside of said gate.
 16. Amethod of assembling a vehicle as described in claim 11, furthercomprising the step of configuring the inside of said gate to stow aramp.
 17. A method of operating a vehicle, comprising the steps of: a.apportioning the length of a line between the inside of a gate and theoutside of said gate by operation of a line adjustment means locatedinside of said gate; b. coupling the length of said line outside of saidgate to an object; c. operating said line adjustment means to adjustlength of said line between said gate and said object; and d. applyingtension to said line offset at least a portion of the weight of saidobject.
 18. A method of operating a vehicle as described in claim 16,further comprising the step of withdrawing at least one ramp stowedinside said gate.
 19. A method of operating a vehicle as described inclaim 17, further comprising the step of positioning said at least oneramp to engage a first ramp end with said gate and to engage a secondramp end with a support surface.
 20. A method of operating a vehicle asdescribed in claim 17, further comprising the step of tensioning saidline to offset a portion of the weight of said object on the surface ofsaid at least one ramp.
 21. A vehicle assembled in accordance with claim11.